Volunteers are always needed for CoastWatch’s suite of citizen science surveys. Several opportunities are coming up to join one of these regular expeditions. You are welcome to come along just to help out on the occasion and learn about citizen science. You are also invited to join the team, or to get involved later at another location. 

 
For those in the Coos County area, the team handling our marine debris survey near Cape Arago invites you along this Saturday, Aug. 8. Team leader Mike Mueller will meet volunteers at the Seven Devils Wayside south of the cape (and north of Bandon) at 1:30 p.m. You are welcome to just show up, but if possible RSVP to Mike at mulegrows@gmail.com, so he will know you are coming and keep an eye out for you.

 
Those in Lincoln County or able to travel there will have a chance to learn about both the marine debris and sea star population surveys on Wednesday, Aug. 12. The Community Services Consortium group which leads both surveys there will both tally marine debris and record data on the recruitment of young sea stars after last year’s devastating wasting syndrome episode. Meet at the Otter Rock parking lot near the restroom at 8 a.m. Dress for getting feet wet. Look for Fawn in her Bright Orange rain pants. Contact Fawn Custer, (541) 270-0027, fawn@oregonshores.org, for more information or to let her know you’ll be coming so she will be looking for you.

 
And those on the south coast will have another opportunity on Friday, Aug. 14, when CoastWatch volunteers led by the Redfish Rocks Community Team will conduct a marine debris survey. Meet at the Retz Creek parking lot, south of Port Orford, at 3pm. Expect to get feet wet. Here again, look for Fawn’s bright orange rain pants and contact her for information or to RSVP.

 
CoastWatch organizes a total of seven citizen science projects, including three (marine debris, sea stars, and beached birds, that take place at particular locations at predetermined times) and four (marine mammal strandings, the “beached marine critters” protocol, invasive species and the King Tide project) that are pursued by CoastWatchers and other volunteers throughout the coastal region. Contact Fawn Custer to learn more about participating.
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